For efficient operation, drain old coolant, flush the entire
system, and fill with clean antifreeze solution at least once every
two years.
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CAUTION: DO NOT remove radiator cap or drain coolant until coolant
is cold. Always loosen radiator cap slowly to relieve any excess pressure.
Drain coolant - Remove radiator cap (A). Open drain plug (B)
on radiator and attach a drain hose. Route hose to container and drain
coolant from radiator. Drain coolant from engine block by removing
plug (C).
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IMPORTANT: Thermostat must be removed to ensure a thorough flush.
Remove thermostat cover (D), remove thermostat and install cover
(without thermostat). Tighten cap screws to specification.
| Item | Measurement | Specification |
|
Thermostat Cover Cap Screws | Torque | 47 N˙m (35 lb-ft) |
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Flush system with water - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill
system with clean water. Run engine about 10 minutes to stir up possible
rust or sediment. Stop engine and drain water from system before rust
and sediment settle.
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Flush system with radiator cleaner - Close all drain valve/plugs
and fill the cooling system with a good commercial radiator cleaner
and water. Follow instructions provided with cleaner. Stop engine
and immediately drain system.
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Flush system with water - Close all drain valves/plugs and
fill with clean water to flush the system. Run the engine about 10
minutes, then drain out flushing water.
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Remove thermostat cover and clean off the gasket material. Apply
gasket sealant to new gasket and install thermostat and cover. Tighten
cap screws to specification.
| Item | Measurement | Specification |
|
Thermostat Cover Cap Screws | Torque | 47 N˙m (35 lb-ft) |
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Fill with fresh coolant - Close all drain valves/plugs and fill
with a mixture of antifreeze, soft water, and coolant conditioner
as specified in the Fuels, Lubricants, and Coolant section.
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Check coolant level - Fill radiator to the top of the filler
neck. Run the engine until operating temperature is reached. Let the
engine cool (preferably overnight) and recheck the coolant level.
Coolant level with a cold engine should be at the bottom of the filler
neck. When filling the cooling system it may require several operating/cooling
periods to stabilize the coolant level in the system. Add make-up
coolant to the radiator as needed to bring the coolant level to the
correct level.